How to Generate 9:16 Portrait Videos with Google Veo 3

When it comes to AI video generation, most people expect a standard widescreen output like 16:9, which works great for YouTube or desktop viewing. But what about when you want something more vertical—like the 9:16 portrait format that’s perfect for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts? At first glance, you might think Google Veo only supports the default landscape mode. Surprisingly, though, there’s a neat way to make it generate videos in portrait format, and it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

The 9:16 ratio has become a standard for mobile-first content. If you’ve ever scrolled through short videos on your phone, you already know why—it fills the screen, it looks natural, and it instantly grabs attention. For content creators, influencers, and even casual users who just want to make creative clips, having the option to generate portrait videos can make a huge difference.

So, when I found out that Google Veo could be tweaked into producing portrait-sized videos, I knew it was something worth sharing. You don’t need to be a programmer, and you don’t need expensive software. All you need is access to Google AI Studio and a simple trick with the prompt system.

If you’re curious and want to give it a try, I’ll walk you through the entire process step by step. And don’t worry—I’ll keep things simple, clear, and fun to follow. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to create stunning portrait-style videos directly with Google Veo.

Step-by-Step Guide: Generating 9:16 Videos in Google Veo

Alright, let’s jump into the actual process. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be able to generate videos in portrait format without any issues.

1. Open Google AI Studio

Start by visiting the Google AI Studio website. This is the platform where Google allows you to test out AI tools like Veo.

2. Tap the Menu Button

Once you’re on the homepage, look at the top left corner. You’ll see the three-line “hamburger” menu. Tap it and select the option that says Generate Media. This will take you to the media generation section where Veo lives.

3. Choose the Veo Feature

Among the available tools, select Veo. This is Google’s AI-powered video generation system, and it’s what we’ll be working with for the portrait trick.

4. Accept the Limited Free Quota

At the top of the page, you might see a notice saying there’s a limited free quota for testing. Don’t worry, that’s completely normal. Just tap Get started, and you’ll be ready to proceed.

5. Go to the Code Assistant

Next, switch to the Code Assistant tab located at the top. This is where you’ll be able to insert prompts that change how the system behaves.

6. Insert the Special Prompt

Now comes the important part. Copy and paste this exact prompt into the box:

“Add an option to select the aspect ratio for video generation. The available options should include '16:9', '9:16', and '1:1'.”

This prompt essentially tells the system to give you more flexibility in choosing aspect ratios.

7. Hit Send and Wait

After pasting the prompt, tap Send. Give it a moment while the system processes your request. This step enables the aspect ratio selector.

8. Tap Preview

Once the process is complete, go to the Preview section. This is where you’ll test and see if the new aspect ratio options are available.

9. Enter Your Video Prompt

Here, type in the description of the video you’d like to generate. It can be anything—maybe a city skyline at night, a cat chasing a butterfly, or even a futuristic sci-fi animation. The more descriptive you are, the better your results will be.

10. Select the Aspect Ratio

Now, look for the aspect ratio options. You should see 16:9, 9:16, and 1:1. Since we’re aiming for portrait video, choose 9:16.

11. Upload an Image (Optional)

Here’s a cool extra: you can also generate videos from an image. Just upload any picture you want, and Veo will use it as a base for creating a video. This is perfect if you want consistency in style or want to animate a still shot.

12. Tap Generate

Once everything is set—your prompt, your aspect ratio, and optionally your image—tap Generate. Then, all you have to do is wait a little while for the AI to do its magic.

13. Done!

When the generation finishes, you’ll have your very own 9:16 portrait video made with Google Veo. That’s it—you’re ready to use it for TikTok, Instagram, or anywhere else that supports vertical video.

Video Tutorial

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. You can check out this YouTube video that shows the exact process in action:

It’s always easier to follow along when you see the steps being done in real-time.

Conclusion

The ability to generate 9:16 portrait videos in Google Veo is a game-changer for content creators who focus on mobile platforms. Instead of being stuck with the default landscape mode, you now have full control over the aspect ratio. This opens up endless possibilities for making videos that look perfect on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts.

The best part? It doesn’t require advanced coding knowledge or special software. With just a few simple steps and the right prompt, you can unlock the portrait video option and start creating professional-looking content right away.

So, the next time you’re planning to post a vertical video, don’t settle for awkwardly cropped edits. Instead, use this method with Google Veo and generate your video in the exact aspect ratio you need. It’s quick, it’s free (at least for now), and it makes your content look so much more polished.

Now that you know the trick, it’s your turn to try. Open up Google AI Studio, follow the steps, and let your creativity run wild. Whether you’re making short skits, animations, or experimental art, the portrait format will give your videos that extra edge.